Opportunity knocks

It was only last week when I had written about how luck might just be going in our favour this season, and then came the visit to Villa Park, where it all changed. Not just hitting the post twice but the rock that is Thomas Vermaelen gets his leg broken and now Sol Campbell-just returned from months not playing-is forced to play three games in a week, culminating in Manchester United on Sunday.

It is amazing how quick luck can change as Eduardo also picked up another injury and although Bendtner is back along with Theo, my worries over transfers continues to, well, worry me. Everyone has pointed out how important these coming games are in relation to our title hopes and I just fear that Arsène's admirable resistance to spend money might just cost us.

I would never be one to criticise Arsène Wenger after all he has done and continues to do for the club, having said this I think if there is an opportunity to win the Premiership and there is also money available, I see no reason why we shouldn't go out and get some backup or an immediate impact to boost the team towards the title.

I have two examples of why I think buying might be a good idea. I look back on 2008, the last season we had a realistic chance of winning the league title, injuries were once again a big concern and after that game at Birmingham where Eduardo got that injury and Gallas went on that teenage strop. The similarity with this season, nobody arrived in the January transfer window, and the lack of replacements eventually cost us.

Secondly, last season we went out and slowly but surely secured Andrey Arshavin, at that point we were out of the top four and his instant impact, fired us to the fourth place that we needed. I feel if we could find someone of similar talent – which I know isn't easy but they are there – then that impact could be the necessary boost to potentially title winners.

Don't get me wrong, I really admire how stringent Arsène is with spending money, he won't pay over the odds and won't panic buy, both of which I entirely agree with, I also support how he runs the club within its means, unlike many or even most clubs in the division. The only reason I would like to see him buy someone this window is because I see a real opportunity to win something this season, sure without injuries I don't think we would need anyone else but as that is definitely not going to happen, maybe a loan signing or something is needed.

Only time will tell if, like in 2008, we look back on this transfer window and wonder what might have been. Despite all this, if we do or don't sign someone in the next few days, I will always be one to follow the 'in Arsène we trust' mantra, and hopefully Arsène's trust in his players shows this weekend in what is possibly the most important game of the season so far.

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